Types of Mesothelioma Cancer and its Cells

Types of Mesothelioma

1. Malignant Mesothelioma (Cancerous)
2. Benign Mesothelioma (Non-cancerous)

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma (by cell-types)

1. Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Epithelioid cells have a clearly defined, elongated egg-shape and they have a visible nucleus. They multiply faster than other mesothelioma causing cells.
2. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: Its cells spindle-shaped and have an enlarged, elongated nucleus. Somertimes they have multiple nucleus and they are harder to identify.
3. Biphasic (Mixed) Mesothelioma: In this type of Mesothelioma, both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells are present in the cancer.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma (by organs affected)

1. Pleural Mesothelioma: It affects lungs
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: It affects abdomen
3. Pericardial mesothelioma: It affects heart 
4. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: It affects covering layer of testicles

How Mesothelioma affects our organs?

Our body have a thin membrane covering cavities in our body, its called mesothelium. This membrane have a good lubrication, so that our surrounding organs can move easily. An example of that movement is expansion and contraction of our lungs and heart. If this thin membrane get affected by cancerous cells then its called mesothelioma. This type of cancer is mainly caused by asbestos. It may cause formation of tumors which may be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature.

 Types of Benign Mesothelioma (by organs affected)

1. Adenomatoid Mesothelioma: It affects the reproductive organs. Benign tumor can develop in epididymis (ducts that carry sperm cells out of the testicle) in Men. Benign tumor can develop in fallopian tubes in women
2. Localized Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: It occurs surrounding the lungs. Normally its non-cancerous in nature. But in 10% cases it may become cancerous.
3. Benign Cystic Mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal cavity.